Ironing out the wrinkles: it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for a few Cup veterans who are competing in new rides this season. (NASCAR).

Six Winston Cup veterans are adjusting to new rides this season. Except for one, success has come in short bursts. By our grading system, only one of the moves can be counted as a big success after 10 races this season.

Jerry Nadeau GRADE C+

If Nadeau's race results matched his qualifying efforts, he would be Winston Cup's biggest surprise. With Ryan Pemberton as his crew chief, Nadeau qualified in the top 15 in five straight races, including two top fives. But other than a fourth-place finish at Texas, Nadeau's best finish in those races was 22nd at Las Vegas.

Nadeau's No. 01 Pontiac team has been plagued by bad luck in the pits, wrecks and mechanical problems. He deserves better, and he could be a driver to watch as the season progresses if he doesn't get down on himself.

Ricky Rudd GRADE C

Rudd placed fourth at Bristol, but that is his only top 10 finish. In the majority of races, he and crew chief Pat Tryson have struggled to find the right setup for the No. 21 Ford, despite having access to Roush Racing's bevy of information.

Two races have hurt him in particular--a blown engine at Atlanta caused him to finish 35th, and he was 42nd at Talladega, when he got caught up in the day's biggest crash. Though Rudd hopes to have his problems fixed soon, it might be a while before it comes together.